If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of Rule 13d-1(e), 13d-1(f) or 13d-1(g), check the following box. [ ]

NOTE: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See Rule 13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

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The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

This statement on Schedule 13D relates to the shares ("Shares") of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Safeway Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Issuer"). The principal executive office of the Issuer is located at 5918 Stoneridge Mall Rd., Pleasonton, California 94588.

(a) This statement is filed by JANA Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Reporting Person"). The Reporting Person is a private money management firm which holds Shares of the Issuer in various accounts under its management and control. The principal owner of the Reporting Person is Barry Rosenstein ("Mr. Rosenstein" or the "Principal").

(b) The principal business address of the Reporting Person and the Principal is 767 Fifth Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10153.

(c) The principal business of the Reporting Person and the Principal is investing for accounts under their management.

(d) Neither the Reporting Person nor the Principal has, during the last five years, been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors).

(e) Neither the Reporting Person nor the Principal has, during the last five years, been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.

(f) The Reporting Person is a limited liability company organized in Delaware. The Principal is a citizen of the United States of America.

The 14,950,000 Shares (including options to purchase 3,530,300 Shares) reported herein by the Reporting Person were acquired at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $318.9 million. Such Shares were acquired with investment funds in accounts managed by the Reporting Person.

The Reporting Person acquired the Shares because it believes the Shares are undervalued and represent an attractive investment opportunity. The Reporting Person has had and may continue to have discussions with the Issuer’s management regarding a review of strategic alternatives including reviewing the markets in which the Issuer operates and exiting subscale and lower margin geographies, the Issuer’s capital structure including providing for a significant return of capital to shareholders, the Issuer’s corporate structure including the transferring of its stake in Blackhawk Network Holdings, Inc. to shareholders, and the Issuer’s investor communications including increasing transparency. The Reporting Person may also seek to discuss other topics including management and board composition, strategy and future plans. The Reporting Person expects to continue to have such discussions with the Issuer’s management as well as with the Issuer’s board of directors, shareholders and other parties relating to such matters, and may take other steps seeking to bring about changes to increase shareholder value as well as pursue other plans or proposals that relate to or would result in any of the matters set forth in subparagraphs (a)-(j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D.

Except as set forth herein or as would occur upon completion of any of the actions discussed herein, including in any Exhibits hereto, the Reporting Person has no present plan or proposal that would relate to or result in any of the matters set forth in subparagraphs (a)-(j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D. Depending on various factors including, without limitation, the Issuer's financial position and strategic direction, the outcome of the discussions and actions referenced above, actions taken by the board of directors, price levels of the Shares, other investment opportunities available to the Reporting Person, conditions in the securities market and general economic and industry conditions, the Reporting Person may in the future take such actions with respect to its investment in the Issuer as it deems appropriate including, without limitation, purchasing additional Shares or selling some or all of its Shares, engaging in short selling of or any hedging or similar transactions with respect to the Shares and/or otherwise changing its intention with respect to any and all matters referred in Item 4 of Schedule 13D.

(a) The aggregate percentage of Shares reported to be beneficially owned by the Reporting Person is based upon 241.3 million Shares outstanding, which is the total number of Shares outstanding as of July 17, 2013, as reported in the Issuer's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 24, 2013.

At the close of business on September 16, 2013, the Reporting Person may be deemed to beneficially own 14,950,000 Shares (which includes options to purchase 3,530,300 Shares), constituting approximately 6.2% of the Shares outstanding. Such options which are deemed to be beneficially owned include 19,848 and 15,455 call options with strike prices of $21.00 and $23.00, respectively, which expire on October 25, 2013, for a total of 3,530,300 Shares.

(b) The Reporting Person has sole voting and dispositive powers over 14,950,000 Shares (which includes options to purchase 3,530,300 Shares), which powers are exercised by the Principal.

(c) Information concerning transactions in the Shares effected by the Reporting Person during the past sixty days is set forth in Exhibit A hereto and is incorporated herein by reference. All of the transactions in Shares listed hereto were effected in open market purchases on the New York Stock Exchange through various brokerage entities.

(d) No person (other than the Reporting Person) is known to have the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, the Shares.

(e) Not applicable.

The Reporting Person beneficially owns 19,848 and 15,455 call options with strike prices of $21.00 and $23.00, respectively, which expire on October 25, 2013, for a total of 3,530,300 Shares.

Except as otherwise set forth herein, the Reporting Person does not have any contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship with any person with respect to the securities of the Issuer.

SIGNATURES

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

Dated: September 17, 2013

EXHIBIT A

Transactions in the Issuer During the Last 60 Days

The following table sets forth all transactions in the Shares effected in the past sixty days by the Reporting Person. All such transactions were effected in the open market through brokers and the price per share is net of commissions.

SHARES